Smooth implementation of AFCFTA takes centre stage at AU summit in Ethiopia

Some panellists at the Stakeholders Dialogue on Continental Trade and Strengthening Implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) have listed steps necessary for smooth takeoff of the Agreement.

Speaking at the opening session of the dialogue on Monday in Ethiopia, the panellists were in agreement that it was not yet Uhuru for AFCFTA, despite successes already achieved.

The stakeholders meeting was jointly organised by the African Union Commission (AUC) and the Coalition for Dialogue on Africa (CODA).

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that 22 countries have ratified the AFCFTA agreement, meeting the requirements needed for implementation. Zimbabwe is

The African Institute for Leadership Excellence is set to hold this year’s edition of The African Corporate Leadership Excellence Prize on May 31, 2019.

This year’s prize tagged “Reinventing Corporate Leadership Excellence” is aimed at bringing together ideas and strategies for total reinventing of corporate leadership excellence. Over the years, Africa has experienced significant economic growth that has not only put in the spotlight, but has also attracted foreign direct investment like ever before.

The African new growth factor has been attributed to the leadership excellence of some select African corporate organisations that have demonstrated uncommon initiative in the African commercial space, and have made substantial impact in the development of Africa’s economy.

By the foregoing, the Award Prize will spotlight key industry leaders who would further deliver outstanding contributions to the development of the continent, the economic aspirations of its

ready to ratify the Agreement on Tuesday, to bring the number to 23.

While Nigeria, Benin Republic and Eritrea are yet to sign up to the AFCFTA Agreement, 51 other countries have signed up.

One of the panellists, the ECOWAS Permanent Representative to the African Union, Nelson Magbagbeola, called attention to free movement of persons.

He said there was need to borrow a leaf from the ECOWAS Trade Equalisation Scheme, adding that this was very critical to the efficiency of AFCFTA.

Magbagbeola also pointed out that one of the fears of Nigeria, in withholding signing up to the agreement, was that most African countries do produce goods they lay claim to.

“We know for a fact that some

African Institute for Leadership plans corporate leadership prize for outstanding leaders

citizenry, and the transformation of Africa’s image in the global markets, while displaying high standards of good corporate citizenship, social and environmental responsibilities.

This edition will witness the presence of special guest such as Akinwunmi Adesina, president, African Development Bank; MoussaFaki Mahamat, chairman, AU Commission; Ibrahim Mayaki, CEO, NEPAD Agency; Strive Masiyiwa, chairman, Econet; Faure Gnassingbe, president of the Republic of Togo, and a host of others.

At the centre stage of the Prize to be held at Sheraton Hotels and Towers in Lagos, Nigeria by 11am prompt; will be an engaging discourse by leaders across the continent on reinventing and accelerating the culture and practice of corporate leadership in all the economic facets. The highlight of the event will be the presentation of the golden plaques of excellence to the award recipients.

It is also worthy of note that the prize brings together prominent CEOS, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and high ranking government officials from in the continent, and in Diaspora. countries do not even have factories producing goods they claim are coming from them. In most cases, what they merely do is to repackage finished goods. There is need for policing.

“There’s also the need to address infrastructure deficit, including power and transportation,” he said.

He said the issue of security across national boundaries was of great importance, and identified the issue of mode of payment, noting that most markets in Africa were informal.

Other panellists included Joe Attah-mensah of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and Frank Matsaert, the CEO of Trade Mark East Africa.

The discussion was moderated by Rolf Jeker, a Board Member of CODA, while chairperson of the AUC, Moussa Faki Mahamat, gave the opening remarks.

A former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo, who is the chair of Board of Members, CODA, gave the opening remarks.

In his remarks, Obasanjo said AFCFTA was arguably one of the most pertinent issues, currently.

“The economic welfare of our people in Africa and the clear benefits of the AFCFTA, when it is fully implemented to this effect, cannot be overemphasised.

“That is why this issue should indeed be a matter of great concern to all who desire a strong, safer, secure and progressive Africa,” he said.

He added that, for CODA, all areas of African development matter, particularly those, which are part of the continental agenda of the AU.